I have to tell you about Anna (obviously, not her real name). She’s been haunting my every thought lately.
She’s missed 47 days of school this year. Last year she missed 35 so she’s far surpassed the truancy of her freshman year. The thing is, Anna is still a freshman. She has 1.25 credits and by this time students her age have 9 so she’s probably going to be a freshman again next year.
Anna is also very pretty. This isn’t really of importance except to say that I think a lot of her self worth is tied up in that. But she’s also very shy and when the boys make comments to her or ogle her I can tell she is more than uncomfortable with it. In fact, what she does is get this mixed look on her face that resembles being appreciated for her looks and also being a little disgusted by the fact that she is viewed as an object.
She has one little brother and lives with her mom. I know who she hung out with at the beginning of this school year and was hopeful she’d end that friendship because it was a damaging one for her. She was either tardy or skipping school every day and on the days when I had time to catch up with her she showed little remorse and even less of wanting to make significant changes.
Anna’s mom has left me so many voicemail messages that I know their home phone number by heart. She’s requested help. Actually, the correct word for it is begged. She begged for help with her daughter and I couldn’t do much except offer suggestions and remind her mom that Anna makes her own decisions and will suffer whatever consequences that I dole out to her. Each time I put her in the in-house suspension room she skipped out again. When I tried to make her serve detentions she simply didn’t show up. Finally, we got to the point where I had to suspend her if I was to follow the progressive discipline we use. I hated doing that because I was certain she was just going to stay home and get high with her friends.
When I would call her into my office to talk there were moments when I’d see a flicker of resentment towards me for actually following through with punishment. Soon, though, she softened and I hoped that I wasn’t going to start caring too much for this girl. This is, I have learned, a futile attempt on my part. My heart always softens towards the kids who want to make a change but then can’t or won’t.
Anna is also a mixed race girl. She pulls her long, almost-black hair back in a bun that doesn’t reveal the beautiful curls I know are there. She wears absolutely no makeup and it just about kills me that she looks so naturally pretty like that. Jeans and a hoodie are her uniform. There are folders and notebooks in her hands but I know they are empty. Occasionally, I will see a book. A novel or something that I highly doubt she actually checks out from the library. She borrows it all right. But not the way she’s supposed to and yet I can’t help feeling glad that she’s actually reading.
Anna is a hard case to figure out. At least she was until the day when her mom pleaded with me to call her absentee father and force him to come to school to discuss her behavior and truancy. She had given me the number to her father’s parents because he didn’t have a phone. It broke my heart to find out why that was.
The grandmother answered the phone and I had to explain who I was and why I was calling and I asked if she could put me in contact with Anna’s father. Despite getting a random call from school she was extraordinarily polite and calmly explained that Anna’s father doesn’t own a phone, nor does he pay his own bills nor does he own a car. He is mentally unstable and they collect his social security to pay the bills on his small house. He rides a bike around town and sometimes he recognizes Anna. Other times he ignores her because…well. He is pretty ill.
It’s not the best part of my job to find ways to break a kid. Sometimes I know it’s a necessary evil and that until that happens everything I’m saying is falling on deaf ears. At least Anna wanted to come talk to me and on the dozen or so instances where I could get her to make it to my office before sneaking out a side door to go abuse drugs with her friends she was always polite and always nodded at my suggestions that she serve her punishments and then (to kill a phrase and let me tell you, I KILL THIS PHRASE WITH MY STUDENTS) to “get it together”.
None of the consequences of her behavior worked on her. She had to simply serve 2 full days of in-house suspension and I knew she wouldn’t get through it. This conversation was going to be a repeat of what I’d already tried to do with her and it wasn’t going to work. Nothing was getting through to her. When I called her in my office I anticipated the compliant attitude and the “Sure, I’ll try” behavior that was our routine.
“Anna. I’ve decided something. This isn’t working. We’re going to try something new. Tomorrow when you come to school you are going to shadow me for the whole day. I have work to do and I’m going to do it and NOT chase you around the building or call your house to tell your mom that you left school again. You’re going to eat when I eat, come to the classrooms where I have to do teacher observations, and generally see what it is that I do. You’re going to do lunch duty with me and when I pick up trays and garbage on the tables, so will you. You’re going to get it together and I’m going to be with you to help. Understand?”
She looked compliant again. I didn’t know what to expect, but she certainly agreed.
Anna came to school the next day dressed a little better than usual. She let her long hair down and truly resembled an intern or, well, someone job shadowing me. Where I went, she went. When I had meetings and it was ok for her to be there (I didn’t let her hear confidential information) she was there with me watching me take notes or talk. When we went to classrooms she came along and brought her book (one I had actually just given her so she didn’t feel the need to take it from somewhere. In case you’re wondering, she finished it by the end of her two days with me and returned it back to me). In fact, for someone who has missed so much school I was astounded to witness what she did during the geometry lesson I was evaluating.
When the teacher was at the board working a problem and asked the class for the answer she was getting a few blank stares. Anna whispered the answer under her breath. She was sitting next to me in the back of the room and I was the only one who could hear her. She got every answer right.
“Anna,” I whispered. “That’s right. You know all these answers?”
“Yeah. I kinda remember this stuff. I like it. It’s fun.”
“Good grief.” She didn’t know what to do with my assessment. She just went back to whispering the answers to herself.
If other students questioned why she was with me she simply stated, “She’s giving me a creative punishment. I have to stay with her all day.” She wasn’t bitter or snarky or resentful about it. The answer was matter-of-fact and there was no sugar-coating what was going on with her.
Anna has already left school again. She went missing for a week, got a suspension, and then went missing again. She’s left me two voicemail messages (who calls their assistant principal and leaves messages when they do this kind of stuff?) and then showed up again this week.
I know myself well enough. I’m going to try something else. I’m going to do this again. There’s no way of telling how it will turn out, but I’m doing it.
February 25, 2009 @ 9:44 pm | Filed under Education, Uncategorized | Permalink | Comments (61)
Karen Sugarpants Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 9:52 pm
She needs an example of a strong woman. You’re it. You’re doing the right thing, which is spending time with her. I hope it works. Oh how I hope it works. For both of your hearts.
Renee aka Mekhismom Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 9:55 pm
I really, really hope you get through to this girl. It is obvious that she is bright but misguided. I am sure that you will be the one to truly make a difference in this girl’s life.
White Hot Magik Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
Thank God you are still trying Kelly. I am still considering making teaching a profession instead of just subbing. Right now the pulls to my heartstrings are pretty strong as it is, I wonder if I can take that part and hold on to enough of that care to help, but not so much it breaks me. Go Kelly and Go Anna we are pulling for you!
merlotmom Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 10:00 pm
You’ve got one tough-ass job. I’m sure it whacks the hell out of you. But you’re doing a phenomenal job. I only hope we have an AP like you when my daughter hits high school.
Emily Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 10:02 pm
I wonder if you showed her what you wrote about her, that someone actually matters that much to her, and now so many people are pulling for her. I wonder if this might make her feel important.
It was great that you let her shadow you. She sees what can be possible for her.
@mamasick
SFMom Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 10:04 pm
you are a hero. 10 years from now, Anna is going to realize just how much you really cared and how much difference it made in her life. If we only had more educators like you.
Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 10:04 pm
If I were President educators would pro athlete salaries. You’re going above and beyond and you’re exactly what she needs. Keep us posted.
Mr Lady Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 10:05 pm
No matter what, that girl will NEVER forget you or what you’re doing for her.
heather... Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 10:11 pm
Woooooooow. The world really needs more educators like you.
TSM_Oregon Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 10:15 pm
That is both touching and gut wrenching. Good for you.
My daughter was hanging with a girl who was taking her (with her permission) down that path. Thankfully she has seen the light, so to speak, and is no longer skipping and getting high. She’s hanging with the athletes. But she has nosey parents and a brother she looks up to who would kill her if she became “that girl”. The girl she hung out with? She’s worse than ever. She doesn’t have parents that are involved. She doesn’t have a big brother to help keep her on track. She has a big sister who has had pregnancies and rehab, all before junior year.
I’m so thankful there are people like you out there, continuing the fight. My prayers are with you. Uphill battles are difficult, but not impossible.
Shel Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 10:30 pm
Wow. That’s incredibly intense. It makes me think of my new hire, a young woman, barely 20. She was a shining example when she first showed up and now she’s flaking out so badly that I don’t even know if she’s going to show up for work. Of course I can fire her, and that’s the easy way out for me. But to what end?
I think what you’re doing is fantastic. Brava. And thank you.
Adrienne Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 11:18 pm
Had I known an administrator like you, I would still be a school secretary. Please don’t ever give up. The children need you.
inthefastlane Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 3:26 am
I know this girl, or at least one like her. And the way you tell this, makes me want to be better at what I do. Because, most of the time? I am too cynical and jaded, already.
Laoch Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 4:37 am
Right on
Ryan Kelsey Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 4:59 am
This breaks my heart, too. Every year, I experience more examples where someone who is incredibly attractive is torn up inside. They go through their lives with people ignoring their real needs being ignored or worse, wondering if any relationship they have is superficial. When I used to work with at a university, I encountered professors who made this even worse.
I wonder if Anna realizes you shadow her every day when she is in school. Does she realize that when you where in high school, there were people who saw you as a strong, intelligent, and talented woman and those who didn’t? Tell her the story of the choreographer who called you Vanessa (Williams) and even the advisor that recommended cosmetology school as your only option? (Note to fellow viewers–nothing is wrong with cosmetology school but it is wrong to present that as the only option to a young woman). If you listened to that noise, Anna wouldn’t even have someone like you who understands this reality. Keep reminding her that achieving success isn’t about where you start, but how far you are willing to travel on the journey.
Kelly, I am very honored to know I have a friend like you that puts everything she has into helping others. You are always teaching me something that helps me grow.
Avitable Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 5:31 am
It’s examples like this that burn educators out because you just know she has the potential to do great but what else can you do?
You’re a wonderful person for trying so hard.
Meg Evans Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 6:55 am
(running back to the computer after fetching kleenex) I second Emily’s comment–if this girl knew how many people were now invested in her story (really, her life), would it make a difference?
I’m just amazed at the changes in her just from having to shadow you for a couple of days…and saddened all over again at how she fell right back into her old pattern of behavior.
It clearly makes a difference for her to have you so involved. I know that’s both a blessing and a burden, but God bless you for caring so much!
Becky Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 7:07 am
Thank you for doing all that you do.
KBO Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 7:43 am
Damn, lady, you rock.
I know that girl. I’ve taught many of those girls. And it is heartbreaking caring for them and guiding them. Oftentimes, they never “get it together”. But damned if we can’t stop trying.
MommyTime Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 8:17 am
You are clearly amazing at your job, and my heart breaks a little for Anna and for you. Given her performance in the geometry lesson, I wonder if part of what’s going on is that she’s bored in the classes she still hasn’t technically completed because she “gets” the material already. (Obviously, that’s not all that’s going on, but it could be compounding things.) Could MORE responsibility rather than less be the answer? I wonder if she were responsible for someone else, someone younger than herself, if that would help her focus. Could she be a tutor for a younger girl in math, for example? I’m suggesting this because I work in an English dept (university level) at a school where the English Ed program is housed in our dept rather than in the Ed School, so I have a lot of contact with people who are training and training to be high school teachers. There are some really innovative tutoring or pairing of older/younger kids models out there that seem to motivate some student that otherwise tune out. Do you suppose Anna would be more motivated to be at school if someone else needed her to be there? Just a thought…
anonymous Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 8:29 am
I’m torn. The older I get, the more I want to let people be. That sounds uncaring, but it doesn’t feel that way. I just have to work on being the best teacher I can, and let students be students.
sha Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 9:25 am
Bless your heart.
mayberry Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 10:44 am
I know it’s been said 20 different ways in the comments above this one, but kudos (and hugs and prayers) to you for keeping at it, for Anna and all your students.
mommymae Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 11:07 am
and this is why you do what you do. those kids love you and you are good, no, GREAT at your job. the poor dear needs you and is obviously reaching out to you, even though she doesn’t yet know that she has to reach inside of herself to get herself together.
nec Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 12:06 pm
It would be so easy for you to write her off… and yet – you didn’t and haven’t. Wow. You are fabulous.
Amy in StL Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 1:33 pm
Wow, I could never do your job. I get that it’s really rewarding some days; but I don’t know that I could handle the emotional heartbreak when it’s not. Poor Anna, I get it. I never saw myself as pretty but had a counselor tell me I could be a teacher and then had a co-worker tell me I was too pretty to pursue engineering. I guess we as women are so often objectified, it just sucks. It’s hard to just be… somedays.
gwendomama Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 2:35 pm
What gene is that, Kelly? The lost puppy gene? The lost and snarly puppy gene? The compensation gene?
Damn, I wish I knew. The more I read, the more I felt compelled to keep trying too.
I am waiting patiently, and optimistically for more.
jennster Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 2:57 pm
you are wonderful…truly.
do you think maybe she is just bored? do you think she wants to be challenged?! god, i don’t know… but it’s what i get from reading this. you challenged her and she rose to it. she probably LIKED shadowing you. it probably interested her. it does seem weird though that if she was so good at math, she wouldn’t go to class… especially since she thinks it’s fun.
i loved this story. i’m happy you shared it. i want more of it- of course i want a happy ending. dont’ we all
deannie Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 3:32 pm
What can I say that other commenters haven’t already said? I feel haunted by this young woman too. So many of us desperately want her to succeed as much as you do…now.
Hugs,
Loralee Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 3:34 pm
While Anna’s case REALLY leaves me in the dust, I was quite an “interesting” teenager. I had a “Kelly” that basically got me through high school. Sometimes, looking back, I am shocked I got through and even more surprised college happened (and a full scholarship at that) but it did and I totally give the credit to the woman who simply refused to give up on me.
You’re amazing.
Dana Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 3:49 pm
The beginning of this post broke my heart, but I can tell that her light shines, and I think she wants to succeed. You amaze me, Kelly. It brings tears to my eyes.
Wow.
rachel-asouthernfairytale Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 4:27 pm
You, are exactly the kind of person who should be educating and you are exactly the kind of person who continues to give me hope for the future!
Keep helping her and others find their lights, their voice, their paths.
And thank you.
in-cog-neat-oh! Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 4:36 pm
Oh my God, I was just about to totally suggest this to you!
I’m going through similar things… 11 suspensions in 1 week… out of ONE GRADE, my class!! I’ve been there for 4 weeks now… it’s chaos as I mentioned the other day.
Anyways – I’m also getting creative… and, I think you should ask her to do this for an entire week. And, when you have a free moment here and there, talk to her… then, my next suggestion is to have her find another student to “shadow”… (or, even a teacher for a day… )… find a student who is friendly, compassionate, on a good path… and who could actually potentially be a friend. Have them do homework together (if possible, or work on assignments together) and I bet she may start making good choices again.
If you have a chance, please let me know what other creative punishments you have. Also, maybe get her to do some of your work… obviously, not the confidential stuff but maybe ask her to work on a special project, such as helping prepare for a school assembly, setting up an information booth… give her responsibilities and the self-esteem she is longing for… good luck! I wish you the best… we all want what’s best for our children (like, the students)… I’m losing sleep right now and I wonder if parents realise how much teachers can really care and invest in their students.
margalit Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 11:16 pm
Does your school system have out of district placements for kids that can’t seem to attend school on their own steam? Like a residential placement paid for 50% by the school system and 50% by your CPS? Because it sounds like Anna is a bright kid that just isn’t able to deal with getting to and staying in school, and maybe it’s not really her fault, but a problem with learning disabilities or emotional disturbances. I think, as an educational advocate, that having Anna shadow you is going to keep her IN school, but at what price. I’d much rather advocate for a proper school environment for Anna that would help her emotionally as well as educationally.
Or has this been tried already?
Mocha Said,
February 27, 2009 @ 6:10 am
Trying to get residential placement is a long process for students far worse off than Anna. It would require a lot of input on the part of her family and I’m not certain that would happen.
So “proper school environment” in the best sense of it? Isn’t even an option.
NaysWay Said,
February 27, 2009 @ 10:41 am
Just found your site by way of Deb on the Rocks..
Coming from a family of educators, I think they’d all love your approach. My aunt (a middle school principal) complains that a lot of her kids act out in school because 90% of them have too much going on at home; that schools don’t have the capabilities to handle their emotional and mental duress. The fact that you care and aren’t giving up probably means more to her than she’s showing right now. That poor girl.
Love the site. Will be back
Sra Said,
February 27, 2009 @ 11:09 am
She calls you because she needs a strong parental role that she is not getting at home. She needs discipline, she needs responsibility, she needs actual consequences that will affect her. I would try to get her mother involved, maybe have a meeting with her in which you try to figure out how Anna behaves at home, and whether the mother is instilling any discipline there. Anna needs boundaries. She doesn’t feel like anyone cares about her. You are doing the right thing in showing that you do. Keep it up. Sounds like she is a smart girl, and hopefully she will pull out of this rather than get in deeper.
angie Said,
February 27, 2009 @ 11:27 am
Of course you’re going to continue. I knew a girl that watched her mother OD and then got herself and her little sister to school that day. She was a 3rd grader. I knew another little girl, 11 or so, that was beautiful and troubled. My pastor has adopted her. She is unrecognizable from that troubled girl. Keep it up. you will make a difference.
rusalina Said,
February 27, 2009 @ 3:20 pm
You truly are amazing, and on top of that, you have a soul. Do not give up on her, I have a feeling that you are the only one that can possibly help her.
Thank you for the wonderful things you do!
Suebob Said,
February 27, 2009 @ 7:18 pm
I think you may be just what she needs. I hope, like you, that it can be enough.
Karoli Said,
February 28, 2009 @ 1:26 am
This is why I love you.
fidget Said,
February 28, 2009 @ 7:51 am
Thanks for being so awesome and not giving up on this girl. maybe she would do better getting her GED and moving on in her eduction to some kind of career training and then when she is ready and willing to learn, a full on college degree.
maggie, dammit Said,
February 28, 2009 @ 8:17 am
I don’t know what you should do or what will happen right now, but I guarantee you one thing — she will remember you. And fondly.
Keep being you, that’s all any of us can do.
Mrs. Shoo Said,
February 28, 2009 @ 1:44 pm
My husband met you the other night at a Tweet-up…Shoo (Chris). He told me I needed to check out your blog, as I’d really enjoy it. And he’s right.
I keep trying to put into words how inspiring this post is, and I just can’t seem to get it right.
Hopefully I’ll be able to attend the next meet up.
Sheri Said,
February 28, 2009 @ 1:48 pm
I’m trying to type but my eyes are pretty blurry from the tears. I’ve been reading your blog for awhile but I’m more of a lurker, this just touched my heart too much. I have a 13 year old son, and while he’s not where Anna is (I can’t bring myself to use the word “yet”) he’s a different boy than he was last year. He’s stopped caring about everything, he’s distant and hateful and unhappy. We are doing our damndest to help him “get it together” and I am trying my hardest to hold myself together while I watch my boy spiral further and further downward. I wish he had someone like you, someone who sees beyond the attitude and the apathy, and knows there is something worth saving there. You are a gift to Anna, and a gift to your other students.
Thank you for sharing her story. I am counting on reading her happy ending.
Renee Said,
February 28, 2009 @ 9:22 pm
POWERFUL! I read somewhere that the kids who come out of seemingly impossible situations to become successful as adults are able to overcome their circumstances because somebody BELIEVED in them and took the time to make a connection. Sounds like you are this person to Anna. I love the creative punishment!
Tricia Said,
February 28, 2009 @ 10:53 pm
Wouldn’t it be cool to team her up with another student- another student that needs help- who might be able to look up to her. Put her in the power seat.
Mocha Said,
March 2, 2009 @ 9:34 am
All this encouragement makes me happy with a side of sparkly sunshine. Thanks, everyone!
p.s. Mrs. Shoo? Next time, please come! I was outnumbered by all the geeky boys saying words like “aggregator” and “RSS” and “social media” that I pretend to understand but just sip my cocktail and nod and say “Umm hmmm.”
p.p.s. I really do like the geeky boys. That wasn’t a slam. They’re just wicked smart.
Mocha Momma » Signing My Life Away For Meth-Making Materials Said,
March 2, 2009 @ 10:19 am
[...] a camera up my nose to take pictures. And while I’m still verklempt over your unbelievable outpouring of support for my student Anna I can’t help but go in another direction today and wax poetic about phlegm. Yet, I also need [...]
karma_musings Said,
March 2, 2009 @ 10:39 am
This is such a great read. I have a niece-by-marriage who’s a teacher of much younger kids and mom of two beautiful adopted asian daughters who I think might enjoy it; I’m sending her the link.
And? I had a sort-of foster daughter (child of a friend, informal arrangement) for whom, brilliant as she was, never “got” school. The rules, the work, the people – all of it. Ultimately she quit as soon as she could (sounds like your Anna might be about a 1/2 step {year} from that?), but found quite soon that McJobs just weren’t that satisfying, studied on her own and got her GED in one try.
She’s now finishing a successful college career at a good 4-year school (after a couple of years at a decent community college), lives on her own, holds down a decent job – her life works in spite of it all. Her family was dysfunctional in quite a different way than Anna’s, but…
Anyway, I hope a small success story will help in a tiny way to give you the energy to keep giving your creativity and care to Anna.
Big Sister Said,
March 2, 2009 @ 11:22 pm
If anyone can get through to Anna, it’s you. She is lonely and YELLING for attention – the right kind. You would think that as young teenage firls she would love the attention from the wayward boys, but that’snot the attention she wants. She wants her dad and she wants her mom. But I am sure the senario is the same as most, dad is absent and mom is working just to keep a roof over her head. The drugs are temporary fixes and she knows it but it keeps her going and her ‘friends’ stick around. Keep up the creative punishments – I don’t envy you; she would be living with me by now, not to mention my foot of love would be up her ASS! Good work sis. Keep it up. Love you
Amy Said,
March 4, 2009 @ 9:25 pm
As a mom of twin three year olds, this story scared the ever loving shit out of me. I was Student Body President and went to Girls State. My husband was our Valedictorian and is a doctor. We dated in high school, got married when we were 20 are are still madly in love 17 years later. But damn it all to hell, it’s just a crap shoot whether your kids are going to survive being teenagers isn’t it? Can you PLEASE do a post to parents like me who still have kids who wake up excited to see me and they haven’t even THOUGHT to lie yet, with advice on what we can do NOW to try to help our kids be the kinds of teenagers who you don’t ever have to worry about unless you are presenting them with a scholarship? Please please please. It would be of so much value to so many Moms and Dads out there who are just praying our kids will make it.
Mocha Momma Said,
March 5, 2009 @ 6:04 pm
Amy, I just wanted you to know that you’ve given me something to consider. The thought of writing something like that intimidates me because I’m no expert, I just have my own experiences.
Let me chew on that for a while…
Woman in Transition Said,
March 6, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
I’m SO late with this! I read your blog ALL the time but I rarely comment.
Just wanted to encourage you: a young artist by the name of Esperanza Spalding recently performed at the Obama White House’s tribute to Stevie Wonder. I’d never heard of her before but she’s a jazz artist and plays an AWESOME stand up bass. At any rate, I googled her because I wanted to see her discography. After reading her biography, I was floored: not only was she a “challenging” student (as her mother describes), she’s a dropout with a GED. Uh… Excuse me? But she was just at the White House????!!!!!! http://www.esperanzaspalding.com.
Don’t give up. And we, your beloved followers, will keep silent prayers for Anna and you.
Blessings!
Woman in Transition Said,
March 6, 2009 @ 1:02 pm
Oh, and @ Amy (if I may; certainly not taking anything away from Queen Mocha…)
Mirror the life, values, morals, etc. you want your kids to have. We are their best examples. Accept that they’re going to lie and do all these other things to disappoint you from time to time. That’s the way of the world. Just pray that when they do those things, that they bring no harm to others in the process and that the Creator keeps them safe as well.
Mocha Momma » Not Giving Up : Part II Said,
March 10, 2009 @ 7:36 pm
[...] I was surprised by the number of comments this post evoked. Many of you asked for a follow up. This is all I’ve [...]
Mocha Momma » All I Do For St. Paddy’s Day is Erin Go Braless Said,
March 17, 2009 @ 4:03 pm
[...] am always touched by the lovely comments people leave when I start talking about My Work and the students that come before me. Then I write something sort of stupid unbelievably blasphemous and totally [...]
Childwoman Said,
March 19, 2009 @ 4:06 am
Dont let go MM…Anna needs you. And i think you are doing great work..WAy to Go!!!
Headless Mom Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 8:00 pm
Well done. I hope you see some positive results this year.
Mocha Momma » You Do This WITH Me Said,
November 30, 2009 @ 9:17 pm
[...] of the stories I shared about a student that I called “Anna”. In February of this year I wrote about her here. Since that time I haven’t heard anything from her. I ask some of my other students and no [...]
Rachel Said,
March 7, 2010 @ 7:12 pm
I really wish someone would be there for me this year like you are for Anna . . . I don’t skip school or do drugs, but with all the rumors people are spreading-I’ve been confronted about them in front of teachers before, and the teachers laugh at me. I’ve been threatened with a knife before, and the teachers walked away and left me to fend for myself. Thank God I’m down to half-days at the public school. I’ve seriously considered dropping out because of the other kids. High school=hell.
So, yeah. I like that idea for Anna. We need more people like you in this world.